The Grizzlies aren’t ready to shut down any of their players, but Mark Giannotto of The Commercial Appeal questions whether that’s a sound strategy. Before Memphis ended its nine-game losing streak Wednesday night, coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters that the team will bring back as many injured players as it can over the season’s final two months.
“We’re actively preparing and training these guys as if they are playing,” Jenkins said. “We haven’t had any conversations about shutting down guys. This is a competitive bunch.”
Injuries have made this a nightmarish season for the Grizzlies, who were one of the West’s top teams the past two years. Players such as Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart could still return, but Giannotto believes it’s wiser for the organization to hold them out to avoid any further injury risk while seeing what the team’s young talent can do after the All-Star break.
Giannotto notes that general manager Zach Kleiman didn’t offer any timeline for Bane or Smart in a news conference last week, but he indicated that it might be beneficial for Brandon Clarke to see some action when he’s cleared to return from an Achilles tear he suffered last season.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Grizzlies rookie GG Jackson called it a “joyful experience” as his two-way contract was converted to a new four-year deal last week, per Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal. The second-round pick has excelled as the team’s injuries have given him an unexpected chance to play big minutes, and he had been hoping to land a standard contract. “I kind of had a feeling with the way everything has been panning out, but I tried to keep the main thing with basketball,” Jackson said. “But nonetheless, I’m grateful.”
- Rockets coach Ime Udoka said lineup changes may be necessary following Wednesday’s loss at Memphis, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Houston faced an early 23-point deficit as its pattern of slow starts continued. Jalen Green sat out the entire fourth quarter for the second time in four games, and Feigen notes that little-used Nate Hinton played more second half minutes than Green did. “Maybe I have to look at the rotation and the lineup I have out there starting and try to get five competitors out the court at one time to avoid poor starts like that,” Udoka said. “I will look at all of that over the break, look in the mirror myself and figure out the best way to move forward to get us off to better starts.”
- Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press previews what Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama can expect as he prepares for his first All-Star Weekend.
Looks like the writing may be on the wall for Jalen Green. His TS% and 3pt % has gone down each year for 3 years. He doesn’t play selfless basketball. If I’m Udoka I’d try Green as 6th man microwave after the AS break. See if he sinks or swims.
Unfortunately, I don’t see that sitting well with Jalen. I still want to give him a chance, but he’s been the same every year. Inefficient and then will have a few games here and there that show his potential, but then the Rockets lose anyways. He’s sat out the 4th a handful of times this year and the Rockets will make it a tight game after being down in them. Think he’s gone this off-season.
I do agree a shake up needs to happen. The starters have not come out well lately. Teams are getting frustrated even with Brooks. Like the Memphis coach telling Udoka last night he was tired of him.
If Jalen is one of the changes he will have to deal with it. Rockets do not have anyone who can shoot 3’s consistently like they were last night for a time. Alpi I even see in trouble and the rebounding even. All the tips up in air and sometimes if Rockets have ball they don’t finish etc. I know Adams is hopefully in for next season but what will be for the off season for the rockets. I do not think they will have Jeff Green or Aaron Holiday. I think Landale may not be the future. Nate Hinton seemed on last night and such but Rockets came back only to squander it in the 4th. Jalen has games where he is hot then goes back cold. I think perhaps line ups need to be made according to match ups.
I do hope Cam can return after the break and Van Vleet. Tari at this point not even sure on when or if he will return to play the last 2 months. Since a part of February and full month of March and half of April left. They have Jazz, Thunder and Suns it seems for most of next few games. Jazz are ahead of Rockets in standings so might be tough. Thunder on Top with Minnesota. I think we need a momentum and more change to at least get through rest of season. Stop tanking.
But think changes will need to be in off season. Perhaps Tate can be sent out too. Not impressed with him this season. Or such lately. Just do not know if he is not meshing this season. But perhaps can help another team.
I know Cam and Amen should be untouchable and not sure with Jabari or such. But if a shake up is needed with starting lineup if perhaps Van Vleet is out longer after break. I don’t know if was ever said on how serious his injury is.
I just want to see better play and a little momentum and to enjoy the game. But too many games lately Rockets get well behind and come back but run out of gas or something.
When Rockets drafted Green instead of Mobley,I said it was a mistake and Green will be a bust. Many fans thought I was on something. You know when you know. I saw nothing special in Green.